The human brain processes and stores memories through a complex series of steps involving several brain regions, primarily the hippocampus and the cortex. When we experience an event or learn something new, sensory information is first received and processed by the sensory areas of the brain. This information is then sent to the hippocampus, where short-term memories are formed. Through a process called consolidation, these short-term memories are transformed into long-term memories, which are stored in various regions of the cortex depending on the type of memory (e.g., visual, auditory, motor skills). Neural connections are strengthened through repetition and association, allowing memories to be retrieved later. The brain also employs processes like encoding, storage, and retrieval to maintain and access these memories.